MIDDLESBROUGH: Striker Dave Kitson will make his Boro debut after joining on loan from Stoke at the start of the week, while midfielder Isaiah Osbourne makes his first appearance at the Riverside after moving from Aston Villa. Emanuel Pogatetz should return at left-back, as the Austrian has been given permission to wear a mask to protect his fractured cheekbone. Full-back Jonathan Grounds will make way, with Sean St Ledger continuing to partner Emanuel Pogatetz at centre-half. Suspensions: None Injuries: Hines (knee), Bates (knee), Emnes (virus) Last five league games: LLDWL Leading league scorer: Johnson 8 Next game: vs Peterborough (A) 28/11/09

NOTTM FOREST: Forest manager Billy Davies is hoping to welcome back striker Dexter Blackstock, who has missed the last three matches with a knee injury. Wales international Chris Gunter will be available after overcoming a virus which ruled him out of last weekend's international clash with Scotland.

Defender James Perch is pushing for a place in the squad after six months on the sidelines with a stress fracture of his shin. Suspensions: None Injuries: Bennett (knee), Tyson (calf) Last five league games: DDDWW Leading league scorer: Blackstock 5 Key Player: Dexter Blackstock - Having scored the winner against Newcastle, the striker is gunning for a notable North-East double.

It's a fact: The last five meetings between these clubs on Teesside have all ended in a draw. Comment by Scott Wilson: Forest have been in good form of late, but Kitson's arrival should help Boro record a much-needed home win. Prediction: 2-1